Michael Graydon McNerthney

In Loving Memory of Mike McNerthney

The world became a little quieter, a little less full of jokes, and a lot less “witty and charming” on March 25, 2025, when Mike McNerthney, the legendary storyteller and dispenser of wisdom (and sarcasm), passed away peacefully at home. While we know he’s now regaling the heavens with his best tales—some true, some embellished for effect—we can’t help but feel the loss of his big heart, quick wit, and his ability to make everyone around him laugh.

Born on April 1, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska. He moved to Tacoma with his family in 1956, he attended Saint Patrick Catholic School, Bellarmine Preparatory School, Seattle University and Gonzaga University of Law.

Mike was admitted to the Bar as a lawyer in 1974 and began working at the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. It was there that he met Judy. Mike would say that was the best thing that came out of his legal career, and he would be right, for him and perhaps Judy. After some time in private practice, Mike joined the Department of Assigned Counsel in Pierce County in July 1984. It was at DAC that Mike found his purpose in the law. He was a great colleague and a mentor to younger attorneys in the office throughout his career. He had the respect of prosecutors and judges that he worked with, and an ability to relate to his clients. Mike was a tireless advocate for those clients, always trying to achieve a result that was in their best interest. Mike could tell a story and naturally drew a crowd to him in every setting. In 1994, Mike was part of a group that helped create Pierce County Superior Court Drug Court and was a driving force in its creation. The planning process took almost a year, with a philosophy that the program needed to walk before it could run. Mike wanted the program to fly, whether it had wings or not, right from the start. He was an enthusiastic believer in the power of therapeutic courts. Mike served as the first defense attorney for Drug Court and never gave up on his clients. He believed that everyone could be helped and did everything in his power to make sure that happened. Mike came up with the first slogan for a graduation T-shirt for Drug Court in 1995: “Refuse to Use”, a play on the Mariners slogan of “Refuse to Lose” from the magical 1995 season. He was very proud of his work with Drug Court and was able to celebrate the 10th, 20th and 25th anniversaries of the program. Mike retired from the practice of law in June 2014.

He was also a passionate sports fan, loyal to his teams through thick and thin—sometimes taking their losses a little too personally. Whether he was cheering, groaning, or debating a referee’s eyesight, his passion for the game was undeniable.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend. Mike is survived by his wife Judy, sons Jason(Jennifer), Jeremy, Jack(Amber), daughter Chelsey(Brandon) and his grandchildren Dillon, Owen, Austin, Boede, Avery, and step-grandson Peyton. He is also survived by his sisters Molly, Melissa, Maureen, and Megan. He leaves behind a large, extended family who adored and loved him very much.

In his honor, we encourage you to tell a corny joke, raise a glass, cheer a little too loudly for your favorite team, or share a great story—just as he would have.

Celebration of Life for Mike

Please join us in remembering and celebrating his life. Drop in anytime between 1:00-4:00pm on May 31st at Bellarmine Preparatory School Booster Gym Foyer. This will be an open house-style gathering filled with love, laughter, and memories of the man, the myth, the legend: Mike McNerthney. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bellarmine Student Tuition Assistance Program.